Eastern Ethiopia
Dire Dawa: A Historic Railway and Trade City
Dire Dawa is one of Ethiopia’s most fascinating cities, located in the eastern part of the country. It is an important commercial and industrial center situated along the historic Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway line.
The city was founded in 1902 when the railway from Djibouti reached the area, and its development grew rapidly due to trade and commerce connected with the railway. Over the years, Dire Dawa has become known for its diverse industries, including food processing, textiles, vegetable oil production, cement, and railway workshops.
Visitors to Dire Dawa can explore its vibrant local markets, experience the unique culture of the city, and visit the historic railway station with its old trains, which reflect an important chapter of Ethiopia’s modern history.
Harar: The Historic Walled City of Ethiopia
No journey along Ethiopia’s great historic route would be complete without a visit to the medieval walled city of Harar, which stands among green mountains (at an elevation of 1885 meters) on the east wall of the Great Rift Valley 500 km from Addis Ababa and near to the Somali border, with its more than 90 mosques and shrines, is considered the fourth most sacred center of the Islamic world, registered by UNSCO as world heritage in 2008
Gambella: Ethiopia’s Remote Wildlife Paradise
The Gambella Region is located in the western part of Ethiopia and is one of the country’s most unique and less-explored destinations. Known for its rich biodiversity and beautiful natural landscapes, Gambella offers visitors an authentic wilderness experience away from the usual tourist routes.
The region is home to Gambella National Park, which protects a variety of wildlife species, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, olive baboons, colobus monkeys, rare antelopes, and many bird species.
Due to its remote location, Gambella remains one of Ethiopia’s least-visited destinations, making it an ideal place for travelers seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, and an untouched natural environment.
